In 2012, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted a strategy to support the development of national social protection floors.[1] These floors, which are not precisely defined, must contain basic social security guarantees that ensure universal access to essential healthcare and a nationally defined minimum income. They must help to prevent and reduce poverty, vulnerability and social exclusion. According to ILO guidelines, these guarantees should be provided to all inhabitants and children, be defined by national legislation and regulations, and be subject to existing international obligations.
Social foundations for global companies, by global companies
The idea of a social protection floor has prompted multinational companies to become more involved in social protection. These large economic entities, operating in several countries, often on several continents, are familiar with local social protection needs and systems. These companies usually cover their employees in one of two ways:
• Local employees are covered by the local social protection system, with its highs in rich countries and lows in poor countries.
• Expatriates benefit from special schemes that allow them to be covered under more generous terms and conditions, often even more generous than those applied i
